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Costa Rica leader raises gay pride flag

In this photo released by Costa Rica's presidential press office, the Costa Rican flag is flanked by a Gay Pride flag during a ceremony at the presidential residence in San Jose, Costa Rica. Costa Rica's new president Luis Guillermo Solis raised the gay pride flag next to his nation's flag as part of an anti-discrimination celebration. Solis said Friday at the flag ceremony that his human rights agenda will be a priority during his administration. (AP Photo/Costa Rica presidential press office)

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rica's new president on Friday raised a gay pride flag next to the country's national flag at the presidential residence as part of an anti-discrimination celebration.

President Luis Guillermo Solis said at the flag ceremony that human rights will be a priority during his administration.

Solis said the rainbow flag was hoisted as part of "the world's day to fight against sexual orientation discrimination."

A group of about 20 people protested outside the presidential residence, saying Solis should have also celebrated "the world's day for agriculture" and "family day," holidays that have taken place since he took office last week.

Lawyer and gay rights activist Yahin Castrillo said raising the gay pride flag is a nice gesture but that more should be done to have the rights of gay people recognized in the Central American country. Castrillo has tried since 2003 to have unions between same-sex couples legally recognized in Costa Rica.